How to Export Tableau Report to PDF (Step-by-Step Guide + Tips)

Exporting Tableau reports to PDF is a common requirement for sharing dashboards with clients, managers, or team members.

In Tableau, I created a sales performance dashboard. Later, I want to export the report as a PDF so I can send it to other users for analysis. Tableau has a built-in option to export reports and dashboards as PDF files.

In this guide, you will learn how to export a Tableau report to PDF step by step. We will also cover different methods, common issues, and tips to improve your PDF output.

What is Exporting a Tableau Report to PDF?

Exporting a Tableau report to PDF means saving your dashboard or worksheet in a PDF format so it can be easily shared or printed.

This is useful when:

• You want to attach reports to emails
• You want to share reports with non-Tableau users
• You need printable reports

Method 1: Export Tableau Report to PDF (Desktop)

In the steps below, we will see the method and settings required to export the Tableau report to PDF format.

In the example below, I will first create a report, then export it to PDF using the export button.

Now connect Tableau to the database, then follow the steps below to create and export the Tableau report as a PDF.

1. To create the text table, I have added Sub-Category to the Rows and Measure Names to the Columns. In the Measures, I have included Sales, Profit and Quantity.

After this, we will add this worksheet to a dashboard, as Tableau does not allow direct import of worksheets.

2. Create a new dashboard and add the report table sheet to the dashboard.

3. Next, navigate to the Objects section and drag the Download button to the Dashboard.

4. Now open the download button in Edit mode. Here, we also have the option to export the report in Crosstab, Image, and PowerPoint formats. In this example, we will select the PDF format.

5. In the Button Style, we can select a Text button to display a text-only button, such as “Download“. To use a download logo, select the Image option.

After this, browse and select the image, and optionally select the button border. At last, enter the tooltip text and click OK.

6. Adjust the size and position on the dashboard. After this, when we hover the cursor on the button, it will show the tooltip text. Here, press “Alt” and click on the download button.

7. As we click on the download button, a new window will open. Here, select the Range as the Active sheet to get the single report.

After this, select the Paper Size from the available options and select OK.

8. Select the location where you want to save the PDF, then click OK. After the download completes, the PDF will open in Preview, as shown in the image below.

This way, we can export or download the Tableau Report in the PDF format.

Method 1: Export Tableau Report in Image Format

To export the Tableau report in the image format, we need to add the Download object to the Dashboard.

After this, open the download button in Edit mode. Here, select the option “Export to as Image,” then click OK.

In this option, when we click the download button, it generates an image containing all the sheets from the dashboard in PNG format.

This way, we can export the Tableau report in the image format using the settings above.

Method 2: Export Dashboard as PDF (Specific Sheets)

You can export selected sheets:

1. Click File → Export as PDF
2. Choose:
   • Entire workbook
   • Specific sheets
3. Click Export

Common Issues and Fixes

Issue 1: PDF layout broken

1. Fix:
   • Adjust dashboard size
   • Use “Fit to page.”

Issue 2: Text getting cut

1. Fix:
   • Increase dashboard width
   • Use proper scaling

Issue 3: Low-quality PDF

1. Fix:
   • Use high-resolution settings
   • Avoid too many small charts

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In this Tableau tutorial, we have learned how to export Tableau reports into PDF format using the Download button on a dashboard. Along with this, we also learned how to export reports as PNG images.

By following these steps, we can share Tableau reports in PDF and image formats with other users and save them in the system.

You may also like to read:

• Repeat Row Labels in Tableau 
• CASE Statement in Tableau
• IF Statement in Tableau
• Concatenate Fields in Tableau
• Count Distinct Values in Tableau

Bijay Kumar

I am Bijay Kumar, the founder of SalesforceFAQs.com. Having over 10 years of experience working in salesforce technologies for clients across the world (Canada, Australia, United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, etc.). I am a certified salesforce administrator and expert with experience in developing salesforce applications and projects. My goal is to make it easy for people to learn and use salesforce technologies by providing simple and easy-to-understand solutions. Check out the complete profile on About us.